Principal Engineer (Mechanical / Electro-mech

About the Team

Henry Schein is expanding its manufacturing capabilities across business units in North America and Europe. The Engineering team at our Lompoc, California site is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency in a highly regulated medical device environment. We operate under strict compliance frameworks, including 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485:2016, and EU MDR 2017/745, ensuring that every product we manufacture meets rigorous safety and performance requirements.

About the Role

This Principal Engineer position serves as the senior technical authority for mechanical and electro-mechanical engineering at the Lompoc site. As a senior individual contributor, you will provide deep technical leadership across day-to-day site operations, new product introduction (NPI), and continuous improvement initiatives. You will not have direct people-management responsibilities; instead, you will influence technical direction and mentor less-senior engineers through expertise, engineering judgment, and hands-on coaching.

Your day will be spent on the production floor and in the assembly area, providing rapid, hands-on engineering response to complex production, quality, and supply issues. You will own the technical direction of the electro-mechanical assembly area, leading complex problem-solving investigations and driving operational efficiency through structured Lean and Six Sigma programs. From authoring technical files for regulatory compliance to leading cross-functional rapid response teams, you will be the go-to expert for machine maintenance, automation, and process validation.

Hiring Process

Candidates selected for this role will undergo a rigorous interview process designed to assess technical depth, problem-solving capabilities, and cultural fit within our regulated manufacturing environment. The process typically includes:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your technical background and experience in medical device manufacturing.
2. Technical Deep-Dive: A detailed discussion of your experience with electro-mechanical assembly, CAPA investigations, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
3. Case Study or Problem-Solving Exercise: A practical assessment of your ability to analyze complex production issues and propose data-driven solutions.
4. Team Fit Interview: A conversation with senior engineering leadership to discuss your approach to influencing without authority and mentoring junior staff.
5. Final Offer: Selection and offer of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Henry Schein is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Join a team where your technical expertise is valued and your contribution to patient safety is recognized.